Creating ASB Position on Ag Extension

ASBs are asked to work with their Fieldmen to fill out the online survey.

In 2022 the province and RDAR funded a committee and consultant to review the current agriculture extension system and needs in Alberta and provide recommendations as to how to support a new system. The committee recommended an Cooperative Extension Model (CEM) which has post secondary institutions, applied research and forage associations, commodity associations, and RDAR working together as it makes sense to further their objectives. This is the current model being used.

Many ASB’s felt they were poorly represented in the review and discussion, however the government does recognize that ASBs have a unique role in agriculture extension delivery and continues to rely on ASBs to promote and deliver programs and services that encourage agriculture best management practices. ASBs have also given feedback through resolutions 3-23, E1-23, E2-23, 2-22, 3-22, 6-21, 8-21,4-20,5-20,1-20, E1-19 and others that agriculture extension services are needed and important to municipalities.     

This summer Agriculture and Irrigation is engaging with ASBs about agriculture extension.  In preparation the ASBPC has struck an ASB Extension Committee (E.Committee) which is tasked with putting together a position statement on agriculture extension.

The link to the survey for the Position Paper will be emailed to the ASB members through the AAAF and ASB chair email lists.

Background information:

RDAR and the Collaborative Extension Model Recommendation

Previous Ag Extension surveys by ASBs